Interview with Marina Maier: A Journey Through TV Production and Creativity

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Marina Maier

Marina Maier, a video editor and graphic designer, began her career collaborating with Estonian TV channels, creating graphics, editing shows, and broadcasting live news. Believing life should be enjoyed, not just about work, she created “Naudime Elu” (Enjoying Life), a show that has aired on TV3 for 13 seasons.

1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your creative background.

Since childhood, I have shown a great interest in visual arts. When it came time to choose what to do after school, I knew for sure that one should work to live, not the other way around.

After finishing school, without hesitation, I enrolled in university to study “Graphic Design.” While my classmates were just learning about color palettes and installing graphic programs, I was already creating graphic projects for leading companies in the country—magazines, book covers, advertisements, posters, packaging, and more. In my first year, I won a tender to create city maps of Tallinn for Silja Line and Tallink. These maps, with marked attractions and advertisements, were printed in editions of 500,000 copies weekly. In the 2000s, this was an extremely important and useful project since Google Maps didn’t exist yet.

At the same time, I studied video editing and graphic design for video and collaborated with Estonian TV channels, creating graphics for TV shows, editing them, and broadcasting live news. This was a great success for me.

2What made you become/why did you choose to become a creative?
I have always wanted to have the freedom of choice and not be tied to a rigid schedule. My dream is to live freely and enjoy life, not just work.
3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.

Inspired by the idea that life should be enjoyed and not just about working, I created the show “Naudime Elu,” which has been airing on TV3 for 13 seasons. Estonia is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and in this project, the hosts visit unique places throughout the country, showing viewers how to have fun and enjoy life.

Continuing to collaborate with major companies in Estonia, I won a tender to create two projects for the European Commission. As I further developed my skills in computer graphics, I became an author for the Australian company Envato.

4What does “creativity” mean to you?
Creativity is a pleasure that allows a graphic designer to express their thoughts and ideas in a visual form. Each new project becomes an exciting journey where the designer can experiment with colors, shapes, and compositions, creating unique solutions that not only please the eye but also inspire others.
5To you, what makes a “creative” idea and/or design?

Creative design is not just visual decoration; it’s a way to tell a story and evoke emotions in the viewer. Every element, from typography to color palette, is chosen with care and attention to detail to create a harmonious whole that reflects the uniqueness of the idea.

In this process, the graphic designer becomes not only an artist but also a storyteller, capable of bringing life to any project.

6Tell us about your creative and/or design process.
This process transforms work into art, filling the job with joy and satisfaction from creating something entirely new.
7What's your favorite part of the creative process and why?
Interacting with clients and understanding their needs brings joy. Successful collaboration and receiving positive feedback from the client after completing a project create a sense of achievement and satisfaction from the work done. This confirms that the designer’s ideas and efforts truly impact the final result and help achieve goals.
8Describe your creative style and its main characteristics.
A graphic designer is capable of adapting to various styles and project requirements. They can work in both a strict corporate style and a more playful, informal approach, depending on the client’s needs.
9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your creativity process?

My country and its cultural heritage have a 100% influence on my creative process. A significant drawback of the Estonian television industry was the lack of family entertainment shows aimed at promoting cultural leisure spots in Estonia. Estonia is a country with a rich cultural heritage, but not many people are aware of it. This led me to create the television program “Naudime Elu.”

“Naudime Elu” is one of the first family entertainment shows in Estonia. My goal was to create a unique family entertainment show focused on popularizing Estonia’s cultural sites, one that would engage not only the audience but also representatives of the major TV channel TV3.

10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?

Of course, first and foremost, it is recognition and respect. The award validates my professional skills and achievements, which can elevate my status in the industry and among colleagues.

Additionally, it serves as motivation. Acknowledgment of my efforts can be a powerful source of inspiration and motivation for further creativity and growth.

11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
For me, this is not just a job but a part of my life. I poured all my emotions and experiences into creating my show. I wanted people to enjoy life and take more time to relax. This show has helped the residents of my country in that regard. Every week, after the episode airs, I receive words of gratitude. People consistently find new ideas and places to relax with their families and friends.
12What was the biggest challenge with this project?
The most challenging part was finding dedicated team members who would passionately work toward our common goal. But I found them, and I am very happy to have such an excellent and supportive team.
13How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
Winning has inspired me to create new projects!
14What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
What I love most is that my work brings joy to people. I adore receiving feedback and seeing the happiness of others.
15What makes your country specifically, unique in the creative industry?
Estonia is an amazing country where people embrace innovation, IT, and electronics.
16Where do you see the evolution of creative industry going over the next 5-10 years?
I believe that more intelligent technology will be implemented. I’m glad to live in such a time.
17If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Creative Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
Never give up! Believe in your dream and move towards it!
18What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the creative industry?
Study more new innovations and programs.
19Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
I never had any special talent; I always had to achieve everything through effort. It was often very hard.
20Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My mom has always inspired me! She was an example of believing in dreams! That’s why my dreams have come true.
21What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Even if you don’t have talent, you can achieve a lot through hard work.

Winning Entry

TV show INTRO | 2024

tv-show-marina-maier

Marina Maier

Marina Maier, a video editor and graphic designer, began her career collaborating with Estonian TV channels, creating graphics, editing shows, and broadcasting live news. Believing life should be enjoyed, not just about work, she created “Naudime Elu” (Enjoying Life), a show that has aired on TV3 for 13 seasons.


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